GWENT-born billionaire Sir Terry Matthews (pictured) celebrated the award of the 2010 Ryder Cup to his Celtic Manor Resort with a flying visit to the Newport hotel and golf complex at the weekend. Your Argus caught up with him to find out the real thoughts of the man behind the bid.
South Wales Argus: What does the Ryder Cup decision mean to you personally?
Sir Terry Matthews: A great win. One of the biggest things of my career has been helping to bring the Ryder Cup to Wales. It puts Wales, Newport and Celtic Manor on the map worldwide. It helps Newport council in their bid for city status - we deserve it.
SWA: When did you first realise that a Welsh Ryder was possible?
TM: I first realised when Sandy Jones, the chief executive of the PGA, took me aside and told me that the venue would be chosen by a national tender bid. I knew then that, with the leadership of Rhodri Morgan and the backing of the rest of Wales, we could do it. SWA:What does the Ryder Cup mean to Newport and Wales?
TM: It's an icon. It allows us to improve our visibility as the destination globally. The Ryder Cup is third only to the Olympics and the soccer World Cup in television coverage - everybody knows it. It's up to us now to capitalise on this opportunity and make the most of being identified with a world class event.
SWA: Can we expect you to be involved in other big sporting investments in Newport and the rest of Gwent?
TM: I expect over the next nine years to introduce at Celtic Manor a considerable number of world-class facilities, including an exhibition centre, a much larger tennis club and an equestrian centre as well as additional golf events and the Wales Open.
We're already the headquarters of the Athletic Association of Wales and we are hoping to attract some major running events here. The Welsh Golfing Union and the Ladies Union are based at the resort, and we have an ever-growing junior golf development programme, set up with support from Coca Cola.
I see Celtic Manor becoming the centrepiece of resort activities in the region - mountain biking, tennis, hiking, equestrianism and running as well as golf.
But it will not only be me involved in such things. I am sure the Ryder Cup win will be the catalyst for the development of a great many sporting, commercial and other activities throughout Wales.
SWA: What can people do to take advantage of Newport's new-found importance as a major sporting centre?
TM: This is the opportunity that we've been waiting for to give people a reason to improve Newport and the surrounding area. It's important for everyone to do their bit and make the region visitor friendly and visitor interesting. This has to be a world class destination for tourists.
SWA: Will the Ryder Cup decision mean a raised profile for Newport in the international business community?
TM: Certainly. Some of the most senior people in business look on a golf course as a place where business is done. Inward investors expect access to really high class facilities.
Anyone who come to Wales to make a business decision must be made to feel comfortable and good about the region.
SWA: Do you have any interest in the land to be freed after the heavy end of Llanwern is cleared?
TM: I have no interest other than a personal desire that it be optimally utilised to benefit the area. It has a major rail link on a high speed line and certainly enough land for an airport. I saw the Federal Express Airport facility in Kansas recently, and it employed a huge number of people. One thing I feel Wales has lacked is an airport focused on freight. I want to see the land at Llanwern used in a way that benefits the economy of the whole region - Wales and the South West.
SWA: Have the residents of Caerleon and conservationists anything to fear from the expansion of Wentwood Hills?
TM: Absolutely not. The beauty of the Usk valley is part and parcel of The Celtic Manor Resort and we would do nothing to harm it. We have always worked with the council and other agencies and modified our plans or ideas in accordance with their advice. SWA: Is Sir Terry now likely to improve his golf handicap?
TM: I'm building another golf course right outside my office in Canada called the Marshes. It's 7,000 yards, designed by Robert Trent-Jones jnr and will be open for play next spring. Maybe my new year's resolution for 2002 should be to improve my golf handicap.
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